Grand Canyon Times

Alex Kolodin joined the podcast to discuss: Why election transparency benefits all voters regardless of party How his experience as an election attorney led him to challenge and defeat unlawful practices by current officials Concrete reforms he's championed to secure voting processes and restore confidence in Arizona's system Alex Kolodin is a three-term Arizona state representative for District 3 and vice chairman of the House Regulatory Oversight Committee. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Kolodin built a reputation as one of Arizona's leading election attorneys. He has successfully sued current Secretary of State Adrian Fontes multiple times over unlawful election practices, winning landmark rulings that strengthened voters' rights. Now running for Secretary of State, Kolodin's campaign focuses on transparency, strict adherence to election law, and rebuilding public trust in the democratic process.  

U.S. Congressional candidate Blake Masters (R-AZ-8) joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss his race. Masters is one of four candidates currently running in the Republican primary to represent the 8th Congressional District.  The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R), who announced last year that she will be retiring at the end of the current term. Following is a summary of this episode: Trump Endorsement: Masters discussed his endorsement by former President Donald Trump in his 2022 Senate race. He said President Trump endorsed him because Masters was "strong on the border."  Border Security: Masters advocated for stringent border security, criticizing what he said are the Biden Adminstration's "open border" policies. He said he supports finishing the border wall, empowering border patrol, and deporting millions of illegal immigrants, saying that border security is the most crucial issue in his campaign and for the country. Economic Policies and Big Tech Regulation: Masters said we had economic growth and low inflation under President Trump, attributing it to the former president's pro-business policies. Masters also said there is a need to regulate Big Tech companies to prevent them from manipulating elections and infringing on free speech, drawing from his experience in the tech industry. Chinese Ownership of U.S. Farmland:  Masters said that Chinese ownership of Arizona farmland should not be allowed. Masters ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, losing to incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D) by a vote of 51.4% to 46.5%. Kelly reportedly outspent Masters by $66 million in that race.  After growing up and attending high school in Tucson, Masters graduated from Stanford University and received his J.D. from Stanford Law School. He then co-founded legal research startup Judicata. He is co-author of the bestselling business book, "Zero to One: Notes on a Startup" with Peter Thiel, and served as president of the Thiel Foundation. Masters married his wife, Catherine, in 2012 and they have three sons.   

Parent advocate Tiffany Hawkins joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss her fight for transparency in Arizona's school districts. Using her auditing background, she uncovered missing public records and pushed for reforms to safety and bullying policies after her daughter was injured on campus. Hawkins described how she's worked with the state ombudsman to enforce compliance and now campaigns for stronger public access laws. She urged parents to attend board meetings, file detailed records requests, and connect through community networks to demand accountability from local schools

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Timothy Minella, Senior Fellow at the Goldwater Institute's Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy. Minella explains why he believes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs undermine America's founding promise of equal opportunity. He outlines how DEI has become embedded in public universities and government institutions, replacing equal treatment with ideological conformity. Minella discusses ongoing Goldwater legal actions—such as the case of ASU professor Owen Anderson—state reforms like Idaho's Freedom from Indoctrination Act, and efforts to eliminate mandatory DEI training.

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen talks with Chris Thomas, Director of Legal Strategy for Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute and a longtime Arizona school attorney. Thomas discusses findings from a Goldwater report revealing the many hidden forms of compensation for Arizona school superintendents—including car stipends, excessive vacation days, and cash payouts—that go far beyond base salaries. He explains how a lack of transparency leaves both taxpayers and school boards in the dark, and calls for public posting of superintendent contracts as already required in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. The conversation also touches on broader education policy issues, including administrative spending versus classroom funding, chronic absenteeism, and the impact of school choice in Arizona's evolving education landscape

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Kim Miller, founder of Arizona Women of Action and America's Women. What began as a small text chain in 2020 has grown into a network of more than 35,000 subscribers and followers. Miller shares how the organizations mobilize women to protect childhood, strengthen families, and defend faith-based values through civic engagement. The discussion explores practical steps for influencing education, donor awareness, and cultural change while carrying forward a mission rooted in Christian principles

Phil Mason, founder of the Arizona Republican Assembly, talks about improving student performance through teacher incentives, the role of ESAs, and the need for stronger parental accountability. He also shares insights on lobbying, legislative transparency, and the Arizona Republican Assembly's legislative scorecard

Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute, discusses Arizona's education landscape, the growth of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, and the ongoing debate over school choice. He explains how ESAs work, addresses criticisms, and highlights their impact on families across income levels

Tiffany Benson joined the podcast to discuss: How secular humanism shapes K–12 and why the Bible should be taught as a historical source. Practical steps for parents to assert rights: know district policies, show up, and build trust with teachers. Building Restore Parental Rights and Education to equip families for transparency, safety, and academic excellence. Tiffany Benson is a Christian community advocate, writer, and founder of Restore Parental Rights and Education, a grassroots partner for K–12 families focused on district transparency, student safety, and academic success. She appears in the documentary 22 Words and writes the Substack ParentsPayAttention.com, offering plain-language guidance on policies, parental rights, and school governance. Benson is developing her nonprofit to provide training and tools that help parents lead with their values while navigating a rapidly changing public-school landscape.  

Tamra Farah joined the podcast to discuss: Shifting K–12 authority from Washington to states and parents through the "Big Beautiful Bill." Expanding ESAs/empowerment scholarships so education dollars follow the child. Refocusing schools on core academics while keeping ideology out of the classroom. Tamra Farah is the leader of AmericanStrategies.org and a former journalist with more than two decades in policy and politics.  She has advised local, state, and federal candidates and partnered with Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, Moms for America, and Arizona Women of Action. Her commentary appears regularly across conservative media, including Townhall and AZ Free News. Farah advocates limited government, parental rights, and academic excellence rooted in community values.

Tom Horne joined the podcast to discuss: Concerns about politically biased content in history and geography textbooks used in Arizona schools His long-running fight against DEI and critical race theory in public education Efforts to improve academic standards, student discipline, and teacher support in Arizona schools Tom Horne is Arizona's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, currently serving his second term after previously serving as Arizona's Attorney General. A longtime advocate for rigorous academics and fact-based curriculum, Horne has worked to remove political indoctrination from classrooms while also launching initiatives to raise test scores, support teachers, and expand English immersion programs for English learners.  

Rachel Alexander joined the podcast to discuss: Systemic flaws in Arizona's election processes and how machines and mail-in ballots undermine trust The chilling effect of lawfare on conservative attorneys and journalists Practical reforms to restore secure, verifiable voting and hold officials accountable Rachel Alexander is a political columnist, attorney, and former Assistant Attorney General in Arizona. She serves as editor of Intellectual Conservative and writes regularly for The Arizona Sun Times and Townhall.   A longtime advocate for election integrity and government accountability, Alexander draws on her legal background and years as Maricopa County's elections attorney to uncover irregularities, defend free speech, and expose misuse of the justice system against conservatives. Her work resonates with readers who value constitutional protections, transparent leadership, and fearless reporting.

Jack Hastings joined the podcast to discuss: His roots in Surprise, Arizona and journey from educator to Vice Mayor The burden of federal oversight on local tax dollars and law enforcement The importance of conservative governance and empowering local officials Jack Hastings is the Vice Mayor and District Five Council Member for the City of Surprise, Arizona. A lifelong public servant, he's a former government teacher and lifeguard who has called Surprise home since 2004. Known for his advocacy to cut taxes, strengthen public safety, and enhance civic engagement, Hastings champions local control over federal micromanagement. He's recognized for his vocal conservative values and commitment to making government more responsive to families, taxpayers, and the community.

 Karrin Taylor Robson joined the podcast to discuss: Her decision to run for governor and the personal and professional journey that shaped her candidacy Sharp critiques of Governor Katie Hobbs on issues like border enforcement, water policy, and vetoed legislation Her platform rooted in conservative principles, economic development, and support from President Donald Trump Karrin Taylor Robson is a lifelong conservative, business leader, and mother running for Governor of Arizona with the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump. A proud supporter of the America First agenda, she raised over $1 million for President Trump's campaign, hosted events with his family, and backed him in 2016, 2020, and 2024.   Now, Trump is returning the support with his endorsement of her candidacy. Not a career politician, Karrin built one of Arizona's top land use and economic development firms, helping create thousands of jobs and cut through red tape to drive growth.   A wife, mother of four, and grandmother, she is campaigning to secure the border, stop radical indoctrination in schools, eliminate government waste, and restore law and order across the state.

Terry Schilling joined the podcast to discuss: The Biden administration's targeting of Christian universities, including the unprecedented $37.7 million fine imposed on Grand Canyon University. The American Principles Project's (APP) advocacy for women's sports and protection of children from gender ideology. The necessity of federal legislation to define biological sex and safeguard religious freedoms. Terry Schilling serves as the president of the American Principles Project, a leading conservative advocacy organization dedicated to promoting pro-family policies. Under his leadership, APP has expanded its influence, notably through the establishment of the Big Family initiative, aiming to position the family as a formidable force in Washington, D.C. Schilling's political experience includes roles with Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), as well as managing his father's successful congressional campaign in 2010. A graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow, he resides in Virginia with his wife and seven children.

Hayden Ludwig joined the podcast to discuss: The surprising resilience of drug trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border despite tougher immigration enforcement The evolution of cartel strategies, including the use of sophisticated synthetic drug production and unsuspecting mules The Chinese Communist Party's role in enabling a chemical war against the United States via fentanyl Hayden Ludwig is the founder and managing editor of Restoration News, a media platform dedicated to investigative journalism supporting the America First Movement. Previously a senior investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, Ludwig holds a Master's in Public Policy from George Mason University. His work exposes how transnational networks, enabled by political weakness and foreign adversaries, continue to exploit America.

Kayleigh Kozak joined the podcast to discuss: The Origin and Impact of Kayleigh's Law Navigating the Legislative Process as a Civilian Advocate Empowering Victims Through Policy and Awareness Kayleigh Kozak is the Family First Campaign Director at the America First Policy Institute, where she works to strengthen families and protect victims of abuse. She is best known for "Kayleigh's Law," adopted in several states to ensure lifelong protection for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.   Kozak has helped pass a range of bipartisan victim-focused laws and led efforts behind a landmark ballot initiative imposing natural life sentences for child sex trafficking. A Liberty University graduate with a background in Family Christian Counseling, she is also a wife and mother of five.

Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp (R-29) joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss: What border security looks like for Arizona in the future. What Prop 314 sets out to accomplish. Her recent meeting with Sec. of Health RFK, Jr and her win in taking chemicals out of school lunches. A former perioperative nurse and nurse manager in the medical field, Shamp was first elected to represent Arizona's 29th Legislative District in Nov. 2022. A resident of Surprise, she graduated from Arizona State University cum laude in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. She also graduated from Grand Canyon University magna cum laude in Nursing.

Steve Cortes on illegal immigration and Arizona election integritySteve Cortes, founder and president of the League of American Workers (LAW) joined the Grand Canyon Podcast to discuss: Illegal immigration and the impact on election integrity. Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz) and the provision of drivers licenses to illegal aliens. The America First agenda and Arizona voters. In addition to being the founder of LAW, Cortes is a senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He was a spokesman and advisor to President Donald Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns, and previously traded global currencies and interest rates for 25 years for large international hedge funds. He has been an on-air broadcaster for CNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Cortes founded LAW in 2022 with the mission of promoting "policies to protect the priorities of laborers." 

Chloe Cole, a detransitioner and senior fellow at Do No Harm, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss: Chloe's childhood and process into gender transitioning with her parents and therapists. How quickly she felt she made a mistake after undergoing irreversible surgery. Chloe finding Christ and a renewed purpose as a woman and the work she has been doing to help the irresponsible gender-affirming rhetoric. A 20-year-old woman who said that she had "gender dysphoria" was given "puberty blockers," testosterone and had a double mastectomy at age 12, Cole has since "de-transitioned" and supports bans on the chemical castration of minors. Cole is a senior fellow at Do No Harm, an advocacy organization that recently launch the "Stop the Harm Database" which "catalogs pediatric sex change-related services, including surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers, at U.S.-based medical facilities between 2019 and 2023."